Need to rant? Come on over.

[DontlikeChristmas]

I’ll start. We’ve just opened presents. I couldn’t give a fig about presents for myself, but I think if you’re going to spend money on a gift for someone you’d may as well make sure it’s something they will like/use. DH has panic bought me a horrible tie dye jumper two sizes too big. I’ve never worn tie dye in my life. My mother has inexplicably bought me a truly awful outfit clearly meant for a teenager (I’m 50) in a colour I never wear, also in the wrong size. DH has also managed to buy DC a load of stuff they already have because he couldn’t be bothered to check. I feel so deflated by this & think it’s all such a massive waste of money (we probably could have gone out for dinner with the cost of the presents no one is going to wear/use, or made a charity donation).

We now have DHs family coming for dinner, who are lovely people but seem to have ever changing dietary requirements (none of which are due to diagnosed conditions) that it’s impossible to keep up with, so I’ve got to make about 15 different gluten-free/oil free/non-acidic/anti-inflammatory and whatever else dishes (DH ‘doesn’t do cooking’).

I’m over Christmas & it’s not even 8.30. Anyone else?

I need to find the thread where copious mumsnetters were berating the OP for suggesting that it is women that make Christmas as men are inherently thoughtless. Apparently men can cut through the crap and focus on what’s important - which judging from this thread it’s sleeping, moaning and Pepsi socks.

This thread explains perfectly why divorce lawyers have such a good month in January. I hope some PPs will give themselves a late present in the new year.💐

Dh and I agreed chatted about Christmas back in November and sent each other links to things we would like to receive. He has all of his plus a couple of other things which went down well. I have none of mine, but do have three Body Shop shower gels (the fruity kind that I would have received as a teenager), two candles and a bag of fucking licorice.

I actually think this is the end for our marriage.

Absolutely this.

I got a foot spa. Instructions say not to add any bath salts or soap or it will break. I may as well put my feet into a bucket of lukewarm water - because that’s what this thing is. Zero heating element. You can’t use hot water - you can’t add anything to the water.

It’s just another thing I need to throw out.

I have never ever indicated I wanted a foot spa. I’m actually really pissed. It’s an absolute waste of money and terrible for the environment.

I just think my partner thinks so little of me to gift that.

If I wanted a foot spa I would go out and get a pedicure.

It seems really selfish and self absorbed to complain about this. But it’s zero effort. That’s my rant.

Christmas was interesting this year. There were tensions at my in-laws which absolutely blew up into screaming and swearing. I’ve had a migraine all freaking day. I’m glad the day is over. Christmas is such an absolute waste of money. I hate it.

So sorry Beekman but I have been sat here with tears streaming down my face laughing at your post. (Especially the "Fuck me rigid" at the end.)😂

DH asked what I was laughing at and when I read out your post, as a typical man, he said "I hope he's not hoping for a Christmas leg over" followed by " Some men really know how to impress women don't they?"

It was the Jaffa cakes that really got me. Who gives anyone a strip of Jaffa cakes for a gift?🤣🤣🤣 So sorry again but mega thanks for the fab post.

Found it! If you are on the mood to get extra annoyed have a read of all the sanctimonious nonsense that men and women are exactly the same.

www.mumsnet.com/talk/christmas/5460708-what-would-christmas-be-without-mums?page=6&reply=149223990

I'm sending solidarity to all! My best mate came over yesterday for a catch up and we had a fab evening. It's a quiet one at home for me and the DC today. XH came around earlier but wasn't feeling great, so he asked me to drive him home (via a shop where he could buy himself some food). DC loved their gifts, and I'm about to start cooking our Xmas dinner (roast chicken).

It probably sounds like a really boring day, but after some of the hellish Xmas days I've had to deal with due to XH's antics (when we were married), this is pure heaven. We're seeing my family (the ones in this country) on Saturday and that is that.

For gifts (amongst the adults in my family), we do a family secret santa with a budget of £50. We each put up a wish list as it makes life a billion times easier. The kids got me some really sweet stuff, and my secret santa got me a lovely Stanley cup (one with a flip top straw which my Maine Coon can't chew). A lovely patient's family got me a bottle of Moet (I unwrapped it this morning)!!

I've discovered (in my 40's!) the existence of things like ready made Yorkshires, ready prepped veg and roast potatoes. So, we're having those with the roast chicken, because it's less faff. Growing up, we did everything from scratch so this is a revelation. My Mum would be horrified and turning in her grave, but I don't care how lazy I sound - I'm better at cooking food from the ME than English food, so this works for us :)

Very minor compared to some posts on here and 💐 to those in need of a boost today. My DH is on nightshift so in bed all day and one of the dogs is not feeling great. I’m awaiting the inevitable up chuck.

Does she not occasionally look up to shout ‘Put the lids down!’ I got a lot of that at my mother’s house when using the Aga. She’d get out a normal electric kettle when my db visited but never when I was there.

There’s no way in fuck I’d be cooking for my in laws whisky my husband did nothing. My husband does more cooking than I do. His family are celiac and so he caters to them as he grew up learning how to cook gluten free. Your husband is a selfish arsehole but you should be saying NO. We are going out to eat this Christmas because my husbands been working a lot and I fancied a pub Christmas vs someone being in the kitchen slaving away whilst everyone else pisses about enjoying themselves.

I have a strained relationship with my sister, but I always send gifts to her children and chocolates for her and her husband. The gifts are requested from a list she provides, so nothing is unwanted.

She didn’t thank me directly; instead, she posted in a group chat I’m not part of that the children loved the presents and included several photos of them playing with the toys I sent. I only know about this because my parents told me when I called them this morning. In return, I sometimes receive a card.

I don’t have a partner or children and won’t in the future, so that stage of life has passed. I’ll keep sending gifts at Christmas and for the children’s birthdays to maintain basic contact, but it hurts to receive so little thought in return.

I feel like I'm on the edge of loosing my temper. MIL gas decided we are not doing Xmas at the right time. She's invited all our guests to her house for picky bits and gift opening, before they come here. She's serving the exact same things we have in. Has been repeatedly asked not to serve food, as we are doing this but will not listen. Plus everyone will already have opened their gifts. I'm raging like a toddler.

Was supposed to spend day with daughter and grandkids but went down with a tummy bug overnight, feeling shit, snuggled up with ddog on sofa. Pleased he's stopped playing with his new wiggle giggle ball and is now snoring his head off. On the plus side I'll lose some weight. Every cloud and all that.

It's the first Christmas since my mum died in the summer and the fourth since my husband died. Both of the same cancer, aged 74 and 39 respectively. Put my back out in the gym so hobbling around at my dad's house. A grand total of two of my friends have messaged me. Just want to curl up and cry but can't even do that. Struggling to see the point of life if all it is is losing the ones you love.

First row of the day, DM screamed at me for daring to want to watch some Christmas tv when she needs peace and quiet (despite it being a huge quiet house of a few adults).
I hate this day, have terrible childhood memories of it. Hate the idea of big loving families because mine has always been rotten to the core.

Hi, I just wanted to send you a big hug. Awful to lose your Mum and Husband.

Xmas is such a shit time when you are not with those you love/d.

Stay strong.....look for the good in every situation.

My adult daughter, cut me out of her life a few months ago and is not even speaking to me....it breaks my heart every day, it's awful but somehow we have to keep going.

I just wanted you to know that it will all be okay xx

Did you talk to her? I'm not having a go I promise. My daughter sits in sulky silence so I feel I have to fill it with talking. Now I just don't bother since she seems to despise what I say (much like you've described) so we have very little contact.

Ok really dont wantvto sound ungrateful i really dont but why ask me for a list which i did and shared with hubby. Pil and my dad.
My DH bless him got me stuff of the list but has cancelled my main present as didnt arrive in time and has promised we can make it a date day inc food to go shopping in the sales ( if you knew my DH thats actually a very big sacrifice as he hates all things shopping and going out for food thats not in walking distance of home) but he got me an additional very thoughtful gift but and this is the big but i love it just not the fact the material because of he knew me ( together 25yrs) he would know this particular material i cant touch - think ocd and AuDHD so feel bad
Dad again spot on got me off my list though one item i got a picture as not here lord knows how definitely had time to get so little ankoyed on that
Pil well got me some of the list but then other random stuff that i just will never use or wear. 1 item the last 2 years they have gotten me something similar well only so many of them i can wear ! And the other item my daughter said she would get me i specifically said no thank you i have 6 of them as that has been your go to for last 6 years ! Then the other stuff is make up brands i never wear or would wear as i am specific about the brand i use ( sensitive skin) and these were on my list
Love pil to pieces and really close to them probably more so than my own parents but when i see them i am going to have to say and makes me feel really ungratefull which i hate

My mother is a bitch. Nothing but criticisms as shes jealous of me and always has been. Look forward to your nursing home

3 years ago my sister had her 60th birthday. My younger sister flew in from half a world away, ("well it's a special birthday isn't it so why wouldn't I come over for it"). I picked out a gift that elder sister wanted and she was made a right, royal fuss of. Younger sister is planning to spend time in the UK the year she turns 60 and already the family chat is full of plans to make it "a memorable celebration" for her. Well today is MY 60th and I've had nothing from either of them, no cards, gifts or even a message. So now I know that, as far as they are concerned, my life isn't worthy of celebrating.

Happy birthday @Leavmealone and resolve to give yourself all the things you want in the next year and not bother with your annoying sisters.

Chocolates from DH with Baileys in them - and I don't drink 🙄ffs - only married and not drank for over 30 years but there you go.

Saw DS and DiL last week to exchange presents with extended family and also saw them this morning at DDs and no gift from them for me or DH. Wonder if and when I'll get anything - I mean it's not as if I do anything for them apart from the loads of regular childcare, babysitting, treats and free holidays this year.

I'm going online and booking myself a holiday for one later and they can all fuck off.

No, no....this can't be real....a bag of licorice! ( well it takes Allsorts...)

Did he pop to the 1970's to get it? And candles.....I mean this is mad....is he a doomsday prepper?

'And in local news, a woman set fire to her husband using a pair of candles....police are saying it makes no scents...

Had a row with my MIL (who is in a care home) as she wanted the contents of her small suitcase size handbag transferred over to a smaller than small camera bag. I can’t fit five pairs of glasses in along with a large hairbrush, two ladyshaves (that don’t work), eight batteries (aa) and five half eaten tubes of extra strong mints…..